Rufus Hannah and Donnie Brennan were homeless alcoholics when Barry M. Soper hired them to work as handymen at his townhouse complex in San Diego.

Soper, a native of Worcester, was impressed as he watched the two men diligently build a fence. He took a liking to them and did what he could to help them out.

But Hannah and Brennan were always desperate for drinking money, and they fell into the clutches of several teenagers who, as things turned out, would use them mercilessly as the featured players in their notorious “Bumfights” videos.

The teens gave Hannah and Brennan a little money and plenty of cheap alcohol in exchange for performing all sorts of dangerous stunts. One involved Hannah viciously beating Brennan. Hannah was the main performer and was eventually dubbed “Rufus the Stunt Bum” by radio personality Howard Stern.

When they got involved in making the videos, Hannah and Brennan disappeared from Soper's life. But Soper had given Hannah his business card and told him to call right away if he was ever in trouble.

That call came one day in 2002, and thus began a chapter in the lives of Soper and Hannah that has continued to unfold ever since. Hannah made up his mind to sober up and succeeded despite enormous physical and emotional challenges. Soper supported him morally and financially through it all. Brennan has tried, but has not managed to give up alcohol, according to Soper.

Soper hired lawyers who sued the teenage videographers on behalf of Hannah and Brennan; the case became news around the world. Soper and Hannah were interviewed on national radio and television. The late Ed Bradley of “60 Minutes” urged them to write a book.

In a recent interview, Soper said that he made up his mind to follow through after the newsman's death. “A Bum Deal” was published three years ago and still sells well.

The book is an unsparing account of Hannah's life. He describes his alcoholic parents giving him beer to quiet him when he was an infant and marches forward to his time on the streets. It recounts his utter despair while making the infamous videos, then details his battle back to a normal life with Soper's unstinting support. After conquering his alcoholism, Hannah reconnected with his children and married a former girlfriend. Soper gave him a job as an assistant manager at the townhouse complex.

The two men have spoken extensively at schools and colleges about alcoholism and homelessness. Now, they are showcased in a new 57-minute documentary titled “Seeds of Resiliency,” which will air repeatedly from April 8 through April 17 on WGBH World, which is Channel 222 on the Charter Cable system.

The film examines how people overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. It features Holocaust victims, the founder of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and a quadriplegic who is a professor in Korea. It delves into the topics of bullying, homelessness and alcoholism.

“It's about how Rufus was able to survive his journey and how he came to change the lives of other people,” Soper said. “He's a wonderful guy. He's a very courageous and strong individual.”

Hannah's courage and humanity are, indeed, evident in “A Bum Deal.” Yet it is Soper's unflinching commitment to Hannah, whom he had first encountered rifling through a Dumpster on his property, which makes their story so unusual.

When Hannah and Brennan called Soper for help, they were being held prisoner in an apartment in Las Vegas. The videographers plied them with booze during the day and took them out at night to make increasingly violent videos.

“They would have killed them, definitely,” Soper said.

When the phone rang, Soper responded by immediately contacting his cousin, a lawyer in Las Vegas. “I told him, 'You've got to help me get these guys,' ” Soper recalled.

Soper had spoken to people in the district attorney's office in San Diego and been told that the video operation could be tied to the mob. He was warned to be careful. They urged him to call Las Vegas authorities. “I couldn't get through to anybody,” Soper said.

Despite the danger, Soper and his cousin reined in their fears and rescued Hannah and Brennan when the man guarding them was out picking up food. The four of them sped back to California.

Soper went on to support Hannah through the long and harrowing rehabilitation program. Along with the civil suit, the young filmmakers also faced several criminal charges but were acquitted of all of them except conspiracy, for which they were sentenced to 280 hours of community service at a homeless shelter.

Reflecting on those days, Soper said, “I think I got more out of the relationship with Rufus than he got from me. If Rufus Hannah can change his life around, anyone can. He was as low as low can be.”

Soper attributes his generosity mainly to his mother, Belle. By his own account, he grew up poor on Vernon Hill.

“I was Jewish and my friends were from all ethnic backgrounds,” he said. “My parents lived in a three-decker. They never owned one.”

Belle Soper was involved in Jewish activities and causes. At the same time, she was friendly with several priests. One incident when Soper was 10 made a lasting impression on him. The family was fishing in Whitinsville when Belle noticed a woman with eight children traipsing behind her. She approached the woman and learned that her husband was in prison and a fire had destroyed the family's home.

“From then on, my Mom made her part of our family,” Soper said. “She always believed that no matter how little you have, you can always help others.”

Soper attended Granite Street Elementary School, Providence Street Junior High School and Commerce High School. He graduated from the University of Bridgeport with a degree in sociology and attended law school in San Diego. He said that instead of practicing law, he went into business and real estate and has done very well financially.

Today, Soper dedicates much of his time to a nonprofit educational and therapeutic residential center for children called Oak Grove, where he serves as chairman of the board.

“I believe in Karma,” Soper said. “Never turn your back on family or friends or people in need. Great things happen when you help other people.”

PBS Documentary “Seeds of Resiliency,” featuring Barry M. Soper and Rufus Hannah, will be shown multiple times from April 8-17 on WGBH World. For broadcast times, go to www.WGBH.org.

CDL A DELIVERY DRIVERS Home Every Night! Needed for our Worcester Depot! Drive local - No more spending valuable nights away from your family! As a Direct Store Delivery Representative YOU have the opportunity to make a difference with our customers! Provide excellent customer service; interact in a positive manner with our customers; deliver our products to local stores. Be home every night! Work for a Company that has been around for over 80 years! Minimum of 3 months driving experience with CDL A/B; GED or HS diploma required; Must be able to drive a standard transmission. EEO/Veteran/Disability Growing Strong Since1933!